In the late 1960s and early '70s in the wake
of Church reforms brought about by the Second Vatican Council, the Knights
of Columbus took a serious look at itself and the world around it. Answering
the call by the council fathers to show greater concern for the poor, end
discrimination and help build a more just and peaceful world, the Knights
of Columbus developed its "Surge...with Service" program of volunteerism.
Volunteerism informed by Christian concern is the hallmark of the Knights
of Columbus and results in outstanding contributions of time and talent
to our cities and communities. In 1996, Knights of Columbus Orderwide raised
and donated more than $44.6 million on community projects and volunteered
12.6 million hours to community projects.
PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES
The Knights of Columbus champions life from conception to natural death.
The Order conducts education programs for its members and the public, provides
financial assistance to national and local right-to-life groups, and prays
for the protection of life. As part of an oderwide program, hundreds of
K of C units have constructed memorials to innocent unborn children killed
through abortion. Since 1990 the Knights of Columbus has donated some $8.8
million to the U.S. bishops' pro-life education and public information
campaign, plus $1 million in in-kind services. In spring-summer 1996, the
Order conducted a postcard campaign to ask U.S. members to urge their representatives
in Congress to override the presidential veto of the partial-birth abortion
ban act. Some 2.5 million cards were distributed. The Knights of Columbus
files friend-of-the-court briefs in important cases on life issues argued
before the U.S. Supreme Court, most currently on assisted suicide. The
Order prints and distributes millions of pieces of pro-life literature
at no charge. Its most recent publication is a study guide to Pope John
Paul II's pro-life encyclical, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of
Life).
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
The Knights of Columbus supports Special Olympics and other programs
for people with mental retardation. Knights serve as trainers, coaches,
officials and in any other capacity needed at state and local Special Olympics
games. The Supreme Council has been a sponsor of the Special Olympics World
Games for many years. As a sponsor of the 1995 Special Olympics World Games,
held in New Haven, Connecticut, the Knights of Columbus contributed $1
million and provided more than 7,000 volunteers for the event. The Knights
of Columbus has donated tens of million of volunteer hours and dollars
to programs for people with mental retardation. Canadian Knights, especially
in Ontario, are supporting the 1997 Winter International Special Olympics
Games to be held in that province. The Supreme Council provided $100,000
as partners with the Canadian Knights. In 1996, the Order raised and donated
more than $17.8 million to benefit people with mental retardation and programs
supporting them.
HEALTH PROGRAMS
Knights of Columbus members participate in a variety of health service
programs. Councils regularly join in national programs to bring public
attention to heart disease and the dangers of smoking and alcohol and drug
abuse. Some councils assist needy people in finding free or low-cost medical
care. Knights help raise money for medical research in a variety of areas
including cancer and AIDS. Knights and their families regularly volunteer
at veterans' hospitals, hospices and other health care facilities. Knights
participate in blood drives, with 334,263 donating blood in 1996.
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
Members' civic involvement comes in many forms. Councils and assemblies
run campaigns urging citizens to vote. Knights take part in community recreation
programs, patriotic observances, penal reform programs and cultural activities.
K of C units regularly recognize outstanding civil servants, police officers,
firefighters, emergency medical technicians and others in their communities
by presenting them with certificates of merit.
DECENCY
The Knights of Columbus has been at the front of efforts to stem the
flood of pornography engulfing communities. Councils promote programs to
inform people of the dangers of pornography and report violations of community
standards to those responsible for enforcing existing laws. Councils organize
letter-writing campaigns to newspaper editors and radio and television
station managers objecting to offensive advertising for "R" and
"X" rated motion pictures. In addition, Knights support and work
in concert with groups such as Morality in Media in the United States,
Canadians for Decency and the Alianza Nacional para la Defensa de la Moral
Familiar in Mexico.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Knights of Columbus members regularly participate in and sponsor programs
aimed at combating substance abuse. Councils work with local police, youth
groups and other organizations to provide educational programs on the dangers
of drug and alcohol abuse. The Supreme Council also offers posters on alcohol
abuse awareness to local units for community projects. Knights regularly
participate in programs that publicize the dangers of drunk driving.
